Bernice Irene Clark

Bernice Irene Blanton Clark completed her well-run race and joined her Heavenly Father on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Born in Sylva, NC on January 31, 1931, to Sadie Shuler Blanton and William Blanton, Bernice was the youngest of their children.

Bernice was married to James Alfred Clark on December 31, 1962, and settled in Asheville, NC. Together they traveled the mountains weekly with their square-dancing friends. They traveled around the US and overseas for special trips. Constantly busy, they refurbished and flipped houses long before HGTV existed. Jim passed away in 2011, but Bernice thought of him every day. Alan, Jim’s son from a previous marriage, joined them as Alan entered high school. Bernice always felt he made their family complete. Bernice’s boys (as she called them) are three nephews; Harold, Junior and Haven, and together they shared many trips, holidays, church services and special meals over the years. Because of the length of her life, she had an extended family who referred to her as “Granny B”.

Bernice was very active and would respond positively to any inquiry of “would you like to go” by saying “let me get my shoes on”.
Bernice volunteered at her church, Mission Hospital and Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM). She especially enjoyed her time at the South Warehouse of ABCCM.

Bernice also shared her life with many friends of Biltmore Methodist Church, Groce United Methodist Church, The Sew Sew Group, ABCCM, and her neighborhoods of Beverly Hills and The Cloisters. One of the kindest people in the world she always thought of others before herself. She cherished each relationship and loved many people.

Bernice was a strong mountain woman and until her body wore down lived each day fully! To the end of her life her mind was very sharp even though her body was tired.

In lieu of flowers she stated that she wanted everyone to “go out and have a good meal”, but if you feel the need for a memorial, please consider Groce United Methodist Church, ABCCM, or Brother Wolf.

Funeral services will be at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC on Monday, September 28, 2026. Family will receive friends at 1:00 pm with the service following at 2:00. Following the burial, a time of fellowship and stories will be at The Cloisters Club House.